My First Thesis Experience in Germany

A Surprise About the German System

One thing I didn’t know before: in Germany, you can start writing your thesis even if you haven’t completed all your seminars yet. This was a big relief for me because there was one semester where I couldn’t get into any courses. Instead of wasting six months, I decided to focus on my thesis. This was not only allowed, but actually a really smart move because it saved me valuable time.

My Thesis Topic

This was the very first time in my academic journey that I had to choose a research subject and develop it into a long project. My thesis focuses on Patagonia’s branding and marketing strategies, especially how the company uses storytelling and sustainability to connect with people. For me, this was exciting because it combined my background in literature and linguistics with something practical and real-world.

Finding My Thesis Routine

When I was writing my thesis, I spent a lot of time in study corners with my simple setup: laptop, notebook, water bottle, and (of course) some chocolate for motivation. Little things like snacks and a comfortable space really helped me stay focused during long writing sessions.

At the same time, I tried to keep my mindset positive. Writing a thesis can feel overwhelming, but I reminded myself that every page written was progress. Even on stressful days, celebrating small achievments like finishing a section or correcting a paragraph made me feel proud. That’s why in this photo I gave myself a little thumbs up: it was a reminder that staying consistent and positive matters just as much as the research itself.

Long Days in the Library

There were days when I basically moved into the library and I’m talking 12 hours straight at the same desk. My survival kit was always the same: laptop, water bottle, planner, and snacks because no one can write a thesis on an empty stomach right ?.

But honestly, the best part was not being alone. My friend and I turned the library into our second home. We worked side by side, took mini breaks, and laughed at the most random things whenever our brains stopped functioning. And yes, in this picture you can see us laughing, but trust me we were really, really, really exhausted. At that point, we just wanted the semester to be over.

These long days taught me that writing a thesis isn’t just about research and typing. It’s also about finding ways to stay sane, and sometimes that means laughing until your stomach hurts in the middle of the quiet zone.

Submission Day: The Grand Finale
After four months of breakdowns, long nights, and a lot of crying , I finally submitted my thesis. Holding it in my hands felt unreal like all those endless hours in the library and all the stress were suddenly worth it.

For any international students who are about to start this journey: it’s okay if it feels overwhelming. It’s okay if you cry a little (or a lot👀). What matters is that you keep going, one page at a time.

Writing a thesis isn’t just about research 🔬it’s also about learning how strong and patient you can be. And trust me: the day you finally hand it in, you’ll feel a mix of relief, pride, and joy that’s hard to describe. If I can do it, so can you. 💪